Greene County and parks district revise management agreement and approve $50,000 levy repair funding

The Greene County Board of Commissioners on May 22 approved a one-year management agreement and an addendum with the Greene County Parks District that changes how park rangers are employed and paid, and authorized using up to $50,000 from the subdivision-regulation fund (Fund 0515) to repair the rear pond levy at Spring Lakes Park.

Why it matters: the management-change memorializes that park rangers are employees of the parks district, not county employees, and the agreement clarifies cost-sharing of ranger pay and benefits for one year. The subdivision-regulation funds arise from a developer set-aside or in-lieu cash contributions under Section 5.23 of county regulations; the board authorized using available funds in the Sugar Creek area for park improvements.

Details of the agreements and funding

- Management agreement/addendum: the longstanding arrangement historically split cost of salaries and benefits for staff who maintain parks. Under the new addendum, park rangers are technically employees of the park district; the addendum then specifies how the county will pay or reimburse a portion of ranger salaries for one year. The board said these documents memorialize the arrangement for a one-year period.

- Use of Fund 0515: staff explained Section 5.23 of the subdivision regulations requires a developer to set aside green space or contribute cash for park improvements; the board authorized up to $50,000 from Fund 0515 to repair the back-of-lake levy at Spring Lakes Park (Sugar Creek area).

Board action and vote

- Motion to approve the management agreement and addendum between Greene County Parks District and the board: carried on roll call (Gould — Aye; others recorded present).

- Motion to authorize spending up to $50,000 from Fund 0515 for Spring Lakes Park levy repair under Section 5.23: carried on roll call (Gould — Aye; Kubler — Aye; Lane — Aye).

Discussion vs. decisions

The discussion was procedural and focused on contract language, staffing classification and available funds under subdivision regulations. The board authorized the agreements and the use of up to $50,000; no additional multi-year commitments were approved.

Implementation and next steps

Park district and county staff will execute the agreements and begin planning levy repair work. The board noted the funds are available in the Sugar Creek area and directed staff to proceed under Section 5.23 authority.